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planetarium

American  
[plan-i-tair-ee-uhm] / ˌplæn ɪˈtɛər i əm /

noun

plural

planetariums, planetaria
  1. an apparatus or model representing the planetary system.

  2. a device that produces a representation of the heavens by the use of a number of moving projectors.

  3. the building or room in which such a device is housed.


planetarium British  
/ ˌplænɪˈtɛərɪəm /

noun

  1. an instrument for simulating the apparent motions of the sun, moon, and planets against a background of stars by projecting images of these bodies onto the inside of a domed ceiling

  2. a building in which such an instrument is housed

  3. a model of the solar system, sometimes mechanized to show the relative motions of the planets

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of planetarium

1765–75; < New Latin, noun use of neuter of Latin planētārius planetary; -arium

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

That’s what happens when you have a payroll of $350 million and use it to amass more stars than the average planetarium.

From The Wall Street Journal

A 37-year-old convict, who had more than a year still to serve for theft, fled on November 14 during an outing with fellow prisoners to the city's planetarium.

From Barron's

But while those groups seemed to want to soundtrack trippy shows in a planetarium, Tortoise typically favors concise, punchy tracks built around defined hooks.

From The Wall Street Journal

The stage transforms into a planetarium of wonder.

From Los Angeles Times

Think of the new Inglewood venue as a planetarium for the next generation.

From Los Angeles Times